KRS 212.170: Appointment of health officers -- Assistant -- Employees -- Appeals.

(1) The county board of health of each county having a county department of health

shall, subject to the approval of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, appoint

a health officer who shall, subject to merit system provisions, hold office at the

pleasure of both the county board and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

(2) A health officer may:

(a) With the approval of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the local

boards of health concerned, serve in such capacity for more than one count y;

and

(b) At the discretion of the local board, act as chief administrative officer of the

board.

(3) A health officer may appoint an administrative assistant for each county served by

him subject to the approval of the Cabinet for Health and Family Servi ces. An

administrative assistant shall exercise such duties as may be delegated to him by the

health officer.

(4) A health officer may employ and fix the compensation of, by contract or otherwise,

subject to the approval of the Cabinet for Health and Famil y Services, all medical,

technical, clerical, professional, and other employees necessary for the maintenance

and operation of the local health department in accordance with standards and merit

system provisions prescribed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

(5) In the absence of a local health officer, the secretary for health and family services

or his duly appointed representative shall serve as health officer for the county

concerned.

(6) Appeals under the local health department merit system shall be conducted in

accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.